A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santillana vs. Pisa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Santillana or Pisa?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Santillana or Pisa? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Santillana or Pisa?

Santillana

A quaint town outside of Santander in northern Spain, Santillana de Mar is renowned for its medieval architecture. One of Spain's prettiest villages, Santillana del Mar and its cobbled streets are lined with palaces, churches, and balconies full of flowers. There are plenty of traditional shops selling local specialties, and it is nearby the UNESCO world heritage site of the Altamira Caves for something a little different.

Pisa

Located in Tuscany, Pisa is most famous for its Leaning Tower. The city has a population of about 100,000 people and there are a surprising number of impressive sights that you might miss if you simply pass through to see the tower. There are many architectural and artistic sights that make the city noteworthy as well. The atmosphere of Pisa is also influenced by its university. Of the 100,000 person population, about 60,000 are students. The students bring the city to life with many parties, shows, and interesting cultural events. They stay active into the night and entertainment options are not limited. The student presence is most obvious once you're outside of the touristy Campo dei Miracoli.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Pisa or Santillana?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Santillana is €105, while the average daily cost in Pisa is €120. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Santillana and Pisa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santillana 60
    Pisa 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santillana 120
    Pisa 120
Compare Hotels in Santillana and Pisa

Looking for a hotel in Santillana or Pisa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Santillana


Hotels in Pisa


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Santillana Hotel Prices and Pisa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santillana 17
    Pisa 11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pisa

Also for Pisa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Departure Private Transfer from Pisa to La Spezia by car or van: $203
  • Florence: Private Transfer from Pisa Airport (PSA): $396
  • From Florence: Round-trip Transfer to Pisa & Cinque Terre: $1,230
  • PRIVATE TRANSFER: from Pisa to Florence with private chauffeur: $120
  • Pisa Airport (PSA) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
  • Pisa Airport (PSA) to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $148
  • Pisa Airport (PSA) to La Spezia Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • Pisa Airport (PSA)to Montecatini Terme Resorts-RoundTrip Transfer: $127
  • Pisa Private Transfer from Pisa city centre to Pisa Airport: $87
  • Private Sightseeing Transfer from Pisa to Florence: $245
  • Private Transfer From Pisa To Florence, English Speaking Driver: $209
  • Private Transfer from Calambrone to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Santillana or Pisa?

Prices for flights to both Pisa and Santillana change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Santillana 30
    Pisa 50
Typical Food Prices in Santillana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santillana:


  • Breakfast
    7.00

Typical Food Prices in Pisa

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Pisa:


  • Dinner
    75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pisa

For Pisa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Chianni: wine and oil tasting with lunch or dinner: $39
  • Home-made Pasta Cooking Class: $75
  • Private Home-Made Pasta Cooking Class in Pisa.: $93
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Pontedera with cooking demo: $93
  • Pisa Food Tour: $95
  • Pisa Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $101
  • Hands-On Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $155
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pisa: $158
  • Authentic Italian Food Tour in Pisa: $521

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santillana 23
    Pisa 20

Tours and Activities in Santillana

Here are a few actual costs in Santillana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Memorable Family Walking Tour in Ancient Santillana del Mar: $428

Tours and Activities in Pisa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pisa.

  • Tower of Pisa & Square of Miracles self guided audio tour: $4.27
  • From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Pisa: $8.72
  • Pisa Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Pisa Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
  • The Best of Pisa Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Pisa Cathedral Guided Tour and Optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $16
  • Square of Miracles guided tour with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $17
  • Baptistery and Cathedral Ticket with Audio Guide: $19
  • Camposanto and Cathedral Entry Tickets and Audio Guide: $19
  • Guided Walking Tour with Optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santillana 4.29
    Pisa -

Sample the Local Flavors in Santillana

Also in Santillana, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Santillana Uncorked: A Wine Tasting Adventure: $1,022

Sample the Local Flavors in Pisa

Also in Pisa, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cathedral Guided Tour & Wine Tasting & Optional Tower: $48
  • Pisa guided tour and Wine tasting with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $50
  • Winery Tour and Wine Tasting with Local Food Pairing: $75
  • From Pisa or Lucca: Half-Day Tuscany Chianti Wine Tasting: $90
  • Chianti Half-day Wine Tour in the Tuscan's Hills from Pisa: $97
  • Guided tour in San Miniato and wine tasting!: $99
  • Tuscan Wine Tour in Pisa by shuttle: $163
  • Pisa & Lucca with wine Tasting and Lunch from Livorno: $663


When comparing the travel costs between Santillana and Pisa, we can see that Pisa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santillana Expensive? and Is Pisa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santillana or Pisa?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Santillana and Pisa, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Santillana or Pisa?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Santillana or Pisa in the Summer?

Both Pisa and Santillana during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

Santillana is cooler than Pisa in the summer. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Pisa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Santillana. In the summer, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Santillana gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun.

Santillana usually gets more rain in July than Pisa. Santillana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santillana 19°C (66°F) 
    Pisa 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Pisa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santillana and Pisa. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Santillana is around the same temperature as Pisa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santillana in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Pisa averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during autumn. Santillana gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pisa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Santillana usually receives less rain than Pisa. Santillana gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santillana 16°C (60°F) 
    Pisa 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Pisa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Santillana as well as Pisa. Also, many visitors come to Pisa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Santillana is generally a little warmer than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Santillana average around 9°C (49°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Santillana gets 91 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun.

Santillana receives a lot of rain in the winter. Santillana usually gets more rain in January than Pisa. Santillana gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santillana 9°C (49°F) 
    Pisa 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Pisa in the Spring?

Both Pisa and Santillana are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Santillana is around the same temperature as Pisa in the spring. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during spring. Santillana gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. It's quite rainy in Santillana. In April, Santillana usually receives more rain than Pisa. Santillana gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santillana 12°C (53°F) 
    Pisa 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Pisa and Santillana

Santillana Pisa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)